BREAKING: Charlene Johnson's political future in doubt?

David Cochrane, political affairs reporter with CBC News in this province, is reporting today that Trinity-Bay de Verde MHA and Finance Minister Charlene Johnson is considering leaving politics.

Finance Minister Charlene Johnson

In a series of messages circulated on Twitter this morning, Cochrane said Johnson is consulting with her family and supporters before making any final decisions.

Johnson has a young daughter, and her husband works outside the country.

Johnson was elected in 2003, becoming the youngest female ever elected to serve in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly. She was born in Carbonear and raised in the Conception Bay community of Gull Island.

She was re-elected in 2007 and 2011, and has held a variety of cabinet posts.

Her departure would be a serious blow for the governing Progressive Conservatives, which will select a new leader during the Sept. 13 weekend. The party has lost a series of byelections, and suffered several defections.

A general election is scheduled for 2015.

Attempts by The Compass to contact Johnson have so far been unsuccessful.